Students walk on campus by the Talley Student Union. Photo by Marc Hall
On Saturday, August 15, 2015, 86 students participated in the second annual GLBT Symposium. This half-day event is held each fall during move-in weekend as a way for incoming GLBT students to connect with each other, form community, learn about the services and resources offered by the GLBT Center and find out how they can get involved on campus.
The GLBT Symposium participants were welcomed to campus by Dr. Mike Mullen, vice chancellor and dean for Academic and Student Affairs, after which they had lunch with returning GLBT students, attended a meet-and-greet with GLBT faculty and staff and toured the new GLBT Center in Talley. Discussions throughout the day focused on upcoming GLBT Center events, leadership and professional development opportunities, campus climate and ways to connect with the Raleigh GLBT community. Students also engaged in conversations about the nuances of sexual and gender identities and expressed their appreciation for being provided a safe space to share and explore their identities with each other.
The incoming students also shared their excitement about having a wide range of opportunities to connect with other GLBT students on campus. Beginning this fall, new and returning GLBT students will be able to join five different GLBT student organizations. The GLBT Community Alliance (GLBTCA) is the primary social organization for GLBT students and their allies. GLBTCA meets every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in Talley 3285; the first meeting will be held on August 25. Queer People of Color (QPOC) is a closed group for GLBT students of color (African American, Native American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Multiracial, etc.). QPOC meets monthly; the first meeting will be held on August 26 at 6:30 p.m. in Talley 3221. Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (oSTEM) is the NC State chapter of the national professional organization. oSTEM meets monthly; the first meeting will be held on August 31 at 7:00 p.m. in Talley 3223. T-Files is a closed group for students on the trans* spectrum (transgender, genderqueer, gender fluid, non-binary, gender questioning, etc.). T-Files meets monthly; the first meeting will be held on September 2 a 6:00 p.m. in the GLBT Center Lounge. The GLBT Graduate Students and Young Professional Network (GSYPN) is a group for GLBT graduate students. GSYPN meets monthly; the first meeting will be held on September 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Talley 4132.
Renee Wells is director of NC State’s GLBT Center.